Holophytic and Holozoic Type of Nutrition

Holophytic and Holozoic are two types of nutrition found in living organisms. Let's understand the difference between these two types of nutrition in detail.

Holophytic Nutrition

Holophytic nutrition is also known as autotrophic nutrition. This type of nutrition is found in plants and algae. In this type of nutrition, the organisms synthesize their food by using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. The process of synthesizing the food is called photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is the pigment that helps in the process of photosynthesis. The food synthesized is in the form of glucose. The glucose is then stored in the form of starch. This stored food is used by the plant or algae whenever required.

Holozoic Nutrition

Holozoic nutrition is also known as heterotrophic nutrition. This type of nutrition is found in animals and some bacteria. In this type of nutrition, the organisms depend on other organisms for their food. The organisms that depend on others for their food are called heterotrophs. The process of obtaining food in holozoic nutrition involves ingestion, digestion, absorption, and assimilation. The food ingested is digested in the digestive system. The digested food is absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to different parts of the body. The assimilated food is used for energy and growth.

Difference between Holophytic and Holozoic Nutrition

The following are the differences between holophytic and holozoic nutrition:

Holophytic Nutrition | Holozoic Nutrition
--- | ---
Autotrophic nutrition | Heterotrophic nutrition
Found in plants and algae | Found in animals and some bacteria
Synthesize their food by using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide | Depend on other organisms for their food
The process of synthesizing the food is called photosynthesis | The process of obtaining food involves ingestion, digestion, absorption, and assimilation
The food synthesized is in the form of glucose | The food ingested is digested in the digestive system
The glucose is then stored in the form of starch | The assimilated food is used for energy and growth

Conclusion

In conclusion, holophytic nutrition is found in plants and algae, and they synthesize their food by using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. On the other hand, holozoic nutrition is found in animals and some bacteria, and they depend on other organisms for their food. The process of obtaining food in holozoic nutrition involves ingestion, digestion, absorption, and assimilation.

The main difference between holozoic and holophytic nutrition is that in the holozoic nutrition mode, organisms ingest and internally process food particles for their energy and organic building blocks whereas, in the holophytic nutrition mode, organisms obtain energy and organic building blocks through photosynthesis.